Ladies of the Rolling Pin are an effervescent and truly unique blend of Border Morris from Olde England interspersed with a generous helping of Yankee Ingenuity, all cooked up in Wakefield, Rhode Island.

Morris dancing is England’s national dance – and is known to have existed since the late 1400s – while Border Morris dancing emanates from the border between England and Wales (and specifically from the rural counties of Shropshire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire). Morris dancing is synonymous with festive merriment and revelry, and was performed both the in streets and even provided entertainment in the royal court of Henry VIII – although until the 20th century was a male-only activity!

Rosemary Stitt shared this information with me about her lively troupe:

The Ladies of the Rolling Pin have been simmering our delectable and unique blend of Morris Dancing since 1998 and have a well-deserved reputation of being flour-dusted tarts. Some of our dancers are also our founding members but we’re also very fortunate to have a loyal band of very talented (and also tolerant) musicians, without whom, we would be nothing!

We’ve performed in England (two tours to date) as well as far and wide across New England, both at ales and at various local fairs, festivals, farmers’ markets and community events. We love sifting our flour and spreading frivolity and smiles whatever the excuse to kick up our heals and raise our rolling pins! As one of our favorite mantras goes “We’re out of the kitchen because the kitchen is closed”!!

Click on the image below to see a video of the Ladies of the Rolling Pin in action, then come to Festival Fete’s Holiday Market in Garden City to see them live! They will be performing on Saturday, December 1st starting at 11:00 am.

Not quite as “riotous” but definitely entertaining, the wonderfully talented Rhode Island Children’s Chorus will be performing on Saturday from 1:00 – 2:00. The Rhode Island Children’s Chorus is an incorporated, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, which was founded in 2003 by Christine Noel, its Artistic Director and Joyce Wolfe, Executive Director. From its beginnings with 14 singers, the chorus has grown to over 200 current members and is composed of six choirs.

The Children’s Chorus hosts two major concerts a year, where all groups perform both separately and jointly. In addition, the combined group appears at many local and regional invitational events – and we are honored to have them at Festival Fete’s Holiday Market!

RI Children’s Chorus

On Sunday, December 2nd, we will have the Cranston Cello Choir performing from 11:00 – 12:00, and then at 2:30 the Irish Dancers, Tir Na Nog will perform. Tir Na Nog Irish Dancers are based out of Blackstone River Theatre, in Cumberland, R.I. Under the direction of Erika Damiani, all the dancers learn traditional Irish and modern-day choreography, solo and group steps, and ceili dances. Dancers range in age from 7 to adult and perform at festivals, parades and private and public events. If you are interested in lessons, or having them perform, please contact Blackstone River Theatre at 401-725-9272 or email ErikaIrishDance@gmail.com. We hope you enjoy their performance!

The Holiday Market will be open from 10-5 daily on December 1st and 2nd, and there is a $3 suggested donation to support Art is Smart. There will be plenty of additional entertainment for the whole family as you shop together and get into the merry spirit of the holidays!

Many thanks to our sponsors!

Wachusett Mountain, celebrates winter fun for families with skiing, snowboarding and various other activities on their many trails and facilities.